Three‐dimensional discrete element simulation of indirect tensile behaviour of a transversely isotropic rock

Abstract

SummaryThis paper presents the development of a three‐dimensional discrete element model using flat‐joint and smooth‐joint contact models to investigate the effect of anisotropy on the tensile behaviour of slate, a transversely isotropic rock, under Brazilian testing from both macro and microscales. The effect of anisotropy is further realised by exploring the influence of foliation orientations (β and ψ) on the tensile strength, fracture pattern, microcracking and stress distribution of the transversely isotropic rock. The variation of tensile strength with foliation orientation is presented. The cross‐weak‐plane fracture growth observed in laboratory is reproduced, and the criterion for which to form is also given from the aspect of foliation orientation. Furthermore, the proportional variations of microcracks well account for the effects of foliation orientation on the tensile strength and failure pattern. Finally, it is found that the existence of weak planes increases both the heterogeneity and the anisotropy of stress distributions within the transversely isotropic rock, with the degree of influence varying with the foliation orientation.

The Influence of the Number of Joints on the Size Effect of Shear Strength and Characteristic Strength

“…(3) Mathematical Model (2). e mathematical model of the number of joints and the parameters was brought into the…”

“…Shear strength is one of the important mechanical properties of rock, and the shear strength of rock structural plane has a size e ect [1]. ere are rock mass defects with di erent scales such as pores, voids, and structural planes in the rock mass [2]. Due to the di erence in the number of joints existing in the rock, the number of joints will have an impact on the size e ect of the shear strength of structural plane.…”

Preparation method and applicability evaluation of 3D printing alumina ceramic artificial coarse aggregate

“…The evaluation indexes of particle gradation and compaction degree are macroscopic phenomenological. Moreover, there are infinite possibilities of particle morphology for aggregates of the same gradation, which makes it difficult to truly ensure that particle morphology is the only independent variable to reveal the stacking mechanical properties [5][6][7][8][9][10]. To study the effect of aggregate morphological characteristics on its compaction and macroscopic mechanical properties, scholars have prepared regularly shaped aggregates such as square, sphere, cylinder, etc, and combined them with the discrete element method to study the effect of aggregate morphological characteristics on the properties of asphalt mixtures [11].…”

Evolution of anisotropy with saturation and its implications for the elastoplastic responses of clay rocks

“…Many rocks exhibit anisotropy in both their mechanical deformation and fluid flow behaviors 1–7 . Failure to consider this aspect could lead to large errors in the prediction of their hydro‐mechanical responses 8–11 .…”

“…Many rocks exhibit anisotropy in both their mechanical deformation and fluid flow behaviors. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Failure to consider this aspect could lead to large errors in the prediction of their hydro-mechanical responses. [8][9][10][11] Mechanical anisotropy in rocks mainly arises from the presence of cleavage, micro-cracks, and bedding planes.…”